At the same time, much fuss arises because of the discounted prices paid at four major slaughter companies in Germany. The first price announcement which had been voiced at the Rheda slaughter facilities was right away imitated with the weak meat business taken as a justification.

Across the borders, pigs for slaughter are available at just sufficient quantities related to running the systems at full capacity. This may be attributed to the cold temperatures which have been prevailing most recently in much of the continent. But even where the temperatures had not been as cold, live pigs had been well demanded for.

Because of the overall scarce supply situation on the live-animals’ market, the German quotation set the pace with its clear 5-cents’ plus. Austria followed with its just as clear plus, while the quotations went up at more moderate extent in the other EU member countries. In Denmark, however, the quotation has been treading water for weeks now.

Trend for the German market:

Despite all the turmoil observed on the market because of the current policy of discounted prices exerted by German slaughter companies, marketers have been reporting on the supply situation continuing to be rather scarce at the beginning of the week. Pigs for slaughter are very much asked for.

There is no trace of backlog supply which in the past has so often piled up as a result of increased readiness to supply because of discounted prices being paid. It remains to be seen whether or not the level of quotations can be maintained as observed most recently.